Calories In A Chicken Burrito From Mexican Restaurant
Mexican cuisine is gaining popularity all over the world due to its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and diverse ingredients. One of the most popular dishes in Mexican cuisine is the chicken burrito. This delicious dish is a perfect combination of shredded chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and a variety of toppings wrapped in a soft tortilla. However, many people worry about the number of calories in a chicken burrito from a Mexican restaurant.
How Many Calories Are In A Chicken Burrito From A Mexican Restaurant?
The number of calories in a chicken burrito from a Mexican restaurant varies depending on the ingredients you choose. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, a typical chicken burrito from a Mexican restaurant can contain anywhere from 800 to 1,000 calories. This is equivalent to about half of the recommended daily calorie intake for an average adult.
The calorie count can vary based on the size of the burrito, the type of tortilla used, and the amount of cheese and sour cream added. Most chicken burritos contain rice, beans, chicken, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. The average 12-inch chicken burrito with all these ingredients can have over 1,000 calories.
What Are The Ingredients In A Chicken Burrito?
A typical chicken burrito from a Mexican restaurant contains the following ingredients:
- Tortilla
- Shredded chicken
- Rice
- Beans
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
The type of tortilla used can affect the calorie count. Flour tortillas are usually higher in calories than corn tortillas. In addition to these ingredients, some restaurants may also add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos to their chicken burritos.
How To Make A Low-Calorie Chicken Burrito At Home?
If you are looking to enjoy a delicious chicken burrito without worrying about the calorie count, you can make a low-calorie version at home. Here's what you need to do:
- Start by using a whole-grain tortilla instead of a flour tortilla.
- Use grilled chicken instead of fried chicken.
- Skip the rice and beans or use a smaller portion.
- Use a low-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
- Use a low-fat sour cream or skip the sour cream altogether.
- Load up on fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
- Use salsa as a topping instead of guacamole.
By making these simple changes, you can reduce the calorie count of your chicken burrito by more than half.
Conclusion
A chicken burrito from a Mexican restaurant can be a delicious and satisfying meal. However, it can also be high in calories if you are not careful. By making simple changes like using a whole-grain tortilla, grilled chicken, and fresh veggies, you can enjoy a low-calorie version of this classic dish.